Dear Friends of the Y,
More than 2500 people were charmed and entertained by the Y Arts Theater Company’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” last month.
A cast of eighty characters, singers and dancers invested three months in rehearsals, stage design and special effects. They were aided by a cadre of volunteers, who handled backstage requirements. An eight-member professional orchestra added to the performances held over the May 14-17 weekend.
An unusual feature of the cast was its family orientation. For example, there were six father-daughter combinations, three mother-daughter duos, four siblings, three married couples and two sets of twins. A grand niece and great uncle were also in the mix.
“Beauty” was the second production by the Y Arts company, having presented “Scrooge The Musical” last December. The schedule calls for the Y summer camp troupe to stage “Once Upon a Mattress” this summer. The company will present “Annie” during the holiday season. Auditions have been scheduled for late August and September.
The guiding principle of the theater company is to bring “front row entertainment to the community’s front door at affordable prices.” The centerpiece of that effort is the Carl Pfeifer Performing Arts Center, a professionally designed stage built into the $20 million YMCA complex during construction in 2005.
Reegan McKenzie of McKenzie-Delavan Studio directed “Beauty”, as she did “Scrooge.” Laura Giannone and Tiffany Spataro of the YMCA staff served as production manager and choreographer, respectively. Georgianna Pappas was the music director.
The Y Arts Theater Company owes its existence to donations from the Performing Arts Council, a generous group of benefactors, who recognize the Y’s potential role in the community.
A special thank you and congratulations to the entire cast and crew of "Beauty and the Beast!" For more information on the Y's upcoming performances, and the Y Arts Theater Company, please call the Development Office at 201-891-2081.
Sincerely,
Joyce K. Vottero
Executive Director
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